How to Choose a Baby Swing

According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, 1,000 American infants are taken to emergency rooms every year for injuries sustained while using swings. This is generally a result of the infant's head or neck becoming trapped between the back rest and the bars the swing is suspended from. If figures like this concern you as a parent, then knowing how to choose a baby swing that is safe and durable, will be one of your first priorities.

Even with an infant of six weeks, you'll want a wide, solid base to make sure there is no tipping. An adjustable seat is necessary, particularly for the infant who can't sit by themselves yet. But do make sure that it can't be accidentally released so that the seat lays down flat while the baby is in motion, allowing them to slide or fall out, backwards.

Every seat should have a combination waist and crotch safety belt. Older models had only the waist belt, which allowed babies to slide down, and out the bottom of the chair/seat.

While there are many "bells and whistles" to entertain babies, the main concern when you choose a baby swing, should be their comfort level. Providing extra safety features such as rolled towels to either side of an infant's head for stability, will avoid the type of accidents mentioned above.

Battery operated or crank models should have quiet operation, so a baby is not frightened or startled awake as they begin to doze. Swings that have variable speeds are the wisest choice, to provide gentle motion for infants, and higher speeds for larger, more active babies.

As always, a baby should never be left alone in a swing, nor should the swing be placed near any hot object, or in a position where the baby could grab something that could be pulled over onto the swing and child.

Jackie G. Maxwell is the resident baby & toddler expert at MalcolmsWeb.com. Visit this link for free weekly parenting tips to take the mystery and fear out of parenting your precious little baby: Baby Parenting Tips

In The News:


PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung)

Perfect for new and expectant parents, babies, toddlers, and ...
PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - 22 hours ago
... sunscreen, after sun pain relief gel, calming bubble bath, shampoo & body wash and baby lotion. • Help make your toddlers next trip safe, easy and fun. ...

Stride Rite Children's Group Launches New Store Concept ...
FOXBusiness - Jul 17, 2008
Meanwhile, as parents move to the back of the store, the environment transitions to a softer atmosphere just right for babies and toddlers. ...

New York Times

In Vitro We Trust
New York Times, United States - 10 hours ago
It’s hard to imagine that she begat one of the major revolutions of the 20th century: since her debut, more than three million babies have been born ...

Low-Fat Milk OK for Some Toddlers
Washington Post, United States - Jul 17, 2008
By Serena Gordon THURSDAY, July 17 (HealthDay News) -- For babies ready to graduate from breast milk or formula to cow's milk, the longstanding ...

First 5 LA Gives Tips To Prevent Toddler Drownings
Inglewood Today, CA - Jul 18, 2008
"The earlier babies and very young children are introduced to water, the sooner they can be taught vital water safety skills," she said. ...

More Baby Blues At Home Depot
Baristanet, NJ - Jul 18, 2008
For the second time this week, a Home Depot store has been used as a baby depot. Tuesday, a toddler was found in the hot seat at HD Clifton, ...

not sold on the swede solution
TODAYonline, Singapore - 17 hours ago
Parents (not just mothers) get paid leave after the birth of their babies for not just a few weeks — but an entire year. And when they get back to the work ...

CPS Probes Family of Baby Who Died in Hot Car
MyFox Houston, TX - Jul 15, 2008
About an hour after arriving at the apartment complex, the aunt and uncle realized no one had seen the toddler. The uncle found him unresponsive in the ...

Baby Steps: Recognizing food allergies in kids
WAOW, WI - Jul 16, 2008
Milk and soy continue to rank high among toddler allergies. But as eggs, grains, corn and peanuts come into play so do allergies to those foods. ...

Happy days are here again
Aberdeen Evening Express, UK - 6 hours ago
The countdown is now on to find the cutest baby or toddler, aged up to 60 months. And yes, every youngster entered will be featured in one of our ...
babies toddler - Google News

Baby Room Decor Tips & Hints

When you plan for a baby room decor, the best... Read More

What Foods Should I Avoid While Breastfeeding?

Women in our culture are sometimes advised to avoid spicy... Read More

How to Make Your Own Baby Food and Save a Fortune!

Baby in a highchair, mom in front with a small... Read More

Hello World: Babys Third Month Guide

Remember how you wished your baby would learn there is... Read More

The Top Diaper Bags for Stylish and Savvy Moms

Forget bears and bunnies. Today's diaper bags are all about... Read More

Baby Gift Baskets ? A Personalized Way to Show How Much You Care

When baby showers abound what can you give to that... Read More

Stem Cells Taken From A Babys Cord

Stem Cells..An increasing number of parents are storing stem cells... Read More

Healthy Baby Food - When is the Best Time to Start Consuming Juice?

Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food.... Read More

Playing With Food Words: Teaching Mindfulness to Preschoolers

The most powerful way to instill a love for language... Read More

Robeez Shoes ? A Baby Shower Gift That Moms Will Thank You For

Robeez shoes help your baby put their best foot forwardIf... Read More

Does Your Baby Necessarily Need Shoes?

When you came up with such question, what will be... Read More

Finding the Right Baby Soap for Your Babys Skin

Baby SoapAren't all soap the same, especially baby soap? Do... Read More

Tips and Tricks for Introducing Solids to Your Baby

Helping your child move from breast breast milk or formula... Read More

What Should You Consider When Choosing Baby Clothes

Are you expecting a baby? You might be tempted to... Read More

Baby Nursery Furniture

You are expecting your first baby and are wondering what... Read More

Baby Bedding Wants Vs. Bedding Baby Needs

If you walk into any baby store or online baby... Read More

Fun and Easy Baby Shower Crafts

Baby shower crafts can be fun and easy to make.... Read More

Baby Shower Games For Your Special Baby Shower

So you're holding a baby shower? Then you will need... Read More

Baby Girl Clip Art

The online baby girl clip art images help you to... Read More

Scheduling Your Baby Naming Ceremony - the Right Time Makes All the Difference

If you're at the stage of wanting to organise a... Read More

What Happens When During the Baby Shower?

To be precise, anything can happen anytime as long as... Read More

The Baby Crib: Your Child?s First Bed

It is up to you as parents whether you want... Read More

Make Your Own Baby Food - The Easy Way!

Is your baby about to start solid foods? Are you... Read More

Front Packs vs. Baby Back Packs

For ages caring parents have carried their babies with them... Read More

When Your Wee One Goes Wee Wee Well

After reading several books about potty training (my son was... Read More